We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

Not ready to book?

No rush. We've saved this trip in your cart
so you can come back any time, compare prices, and complete your booking.

The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.

This is extremely out of the way from the main parts of Istanbul where most people are likely to stay. Moreover, the entire outside and about 80% of the inside were blocked off due to renovation and could not be seen. However, the part that could be seen was lovely. I'm sure it was not worth the time, effort to...
More

It is out of the way, but it has amazing mosaics and frescoes. The nave was being renovated when I visited a few weeks ago, but they said the work would be done in August 2015. So if you are in Istanbul and love art and history, make time to go.

If you like Byzantine mosaics this is the church for you. Though the Nave was closed when we went there, there are still incredible examples of mosaic art in the Narthex, and frescos on the side chapel. Beautifully excecuted, these mosaics are among the best and most famous in the world.

This gorgeous church has hundreds of stories to tell in mosaic and mural form. These images are so detailed that it is easy to miss the richness unless you have a very good guide. The placement of a tree branch or an animal depicted in the background of a mosaic can hold a lot of meaning. We were overwhelmed with...
More

Had wanted to go to this museum many times, but finally made it this time. Such a beautiful place. The mosaics and fresco is one of the best i've ever seen in the world. Definitely worth a visit. Would definitely love to go back when the restoration is finally finished on the outside. Can't miss this when you are in...
More

While exceptionally beautiful, this is EXTREMELY out of the way from the main parts of Istanbul where most people are likely to stay. Also, the entire outside and about 75% of the inside could not be seen/ were blocked off due to renovation. However, the parts that could be seen were very lovely with the gold leafed mosaic tiles. I'm...
More

it is ravaged by time but enough stands for you to enjoy teh beauty of mosaic work
and to get an idea of how ethereal the aya sofia must have been when it was filled with such reverential art !
the bonus ? walking there and back discovering different neighbourhoods

Questions? Get answers from Kariye Museum (The Chora Church) staff and past visitors.

Posting guidelines

Get notified about new answers to your questions.

Typical questions asked:

Do I have to buy a ticket for my infant?

How do I get there using public transportation?

Is there a restaurant or café onsite?

Staying in Fener & Balat

Neighborhood Profile

Fener & Balat

This sleepy and rather socially conservative area of Istanbul hosts a small but thriving Jewish community, the patriarchate of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some of the most beautiful churches and Christian art in the world. Much of what’s most interesting to witness in Fener and Balat sits between the surviving ancient city walls of Constantinople and the serene shores of the Golden Horn. Despite the many splendid sights, historic attractions, stunning vistas, and warm Turkish welcome, the area remains largely unperturbed by the tourist trade that characterizes the atmosphere in nearby Sultanahmet and around the Grand Bazaar. Travelers that like to explore off the beaten track will reap big rewards for making the effort to visit this low-key part of town.

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.